“At 10 a.m. on Monday, the Meteorological Bureau issued an announcement, predicting that within the next 24 hours, the highest temperature in our city will exceed 35°C. Please beware of heatstroke and stay cool.”

This was the first push notification Shi Ye saw after turning on his phone.

The second push notification immediately popped up, stating:

“The lead singer of the mainland’s famous rock band, Aviator, Shen Zui, committed suicide at home on July 21. Informed sources revealed that Shen Zui had been abusing drugs for years, under immense mental pressure, rumored to be oppressed by the band’s leader, Shi Ye…”

Shi Ye glanced at half of it and tossed the phone aside, heading for a shower.

It was hot, and there was no air conditioning at home. Every morning, he woke up covered in sweat. Although not having air conditioning in this weather was deadly, Shi Ye didn’t want to go back to his apartment. He needed to live in this kind of lively community now, listening to the hustle and bustle around him, which made him feel alive, not dead.

As he came out drying his hair, his phone kept ringing. At first, he didn’t want to answer. He went to drink a glass of water and turned on the small fan in the living room to blow at himself. The phone rang for a long time before stopping, but it started again after just a few seconds.

The room was very quiet, with the default monotonous ringtone coupled with the buzzing vibration, which made Shi Ye feel nauseous.

He shook his head, feeling dizzy… Hangover, very uncomfortable, plus this weather made him extremely irritable.

Summer was Shi Ye’s least favorite season. Every year during Sheng Xia, he would go crazy and easily lose his temper.

When he picked up the phone, he couldn’t help but vent his anger at his manager, “Calling one after another, as if the weather isn’t hot enough, do you want to light a firecracker under me?”

“I dare not, “Niu Xiaojun’s tone was cautious, “I’m just reminding you not to forget to come to the company later.”

Rubbing his temples, Shi Ye casually said, “Oh, that’s it. Niu, go steal your wife’s banana fan first and fan away this heat warning for me before I go out.”

In this weather, going out was like walking into a fiery mountain.

Actually, Shi Ye was feeling very uncomfortable right now, not sober from the alcohol, his head was dizzy. But he was a twisted person; the more uncomfortable he felt, the more he wanted to appear normal.

“No way, don’t joke with me! You must come!” Niu Xiaojun became anxious, “No matter what obstacles you encounter on the way, even if there are nine thousand nine hundred and eighty-one difficulties, you must come over. Although the situation is bad right now, there will always be new opportunities. We still need to look forward…”

Shi Ye interrupted him, “Not only am I looking forward, I’m looking in all directions, unlike you being so one-sided.”

“Alright, you, Shi Ye, even have eyes on your backside… Hey hey hey, enough with the banter!” Niu Xiaojun wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to praise Shi Ye for his sense of humor at this moment, “Okay, stop joking around! Come over quickly, trust me, it’s good news!”

When Shi Ye hung up the phone, he thought to himself that there couldn’t possibly be any good news. He felt rotten to the core, inside and out. But indeed, he still had to go to the company, after all, he had been moping around for so many days.

At three in the afternoon, Shi Ye lazily made his way to Hayden Records wearing flip-flops.

Upon arriving at the seventh floor, he stepped out of the elevator and walked straight ahead along the corridor without glancing around. He was dressed too casually, carrying a guitar on his back, looking like a thug. Along the way, he encountered many staff members who were unfamiliar to him, and they all avoided him from a distance, shouting “Shi Ye ge” from afar and then quickly walking away, for obvious reasons.

Shi Ye didn’t pay much attention. He strolled through the corridor, not casting a single glance at the photos, posters, and trophies covering both walls.

The two walls were adorned with honors achieved by the bands and singers under Hayden Records over the years. There were trophies, album covers, music festival photos, concert memorabilia… both group and individual achievements filled the two walls.

The most frequently appearing name above was a band called ‘Aviator’, and the few significant individual awards belonged to a simple name: Shi Ye.

In fact, Shi Ye became famous in the circle when he was very young. He was considered a talented musician, and at the age of fifteen or sixteen, he rose to prominence playing guitar in underground scenes. Whenever his name was mentioned, at least in the northern rock circle, everyone would sincerely praise: He’s truly something.

Including his personality.

Later, when people introduced him, they would say: Shi Ye, the current lead guitarist and songwriter of the mainland rock band ‘Aviator’.

Yes, he later formed a band.

In the year Aviator was founded, the music market was in a downturn, especially for bands, which could be said to have cooled off to Siberia. Those once hugely popular bands, whether folk, rock, punk, or pop, basically gave up their musical dreams to find other jobs to make a living.

But surprisingly, Aviator emerged that year and shot to fame with their first self-titled album ‘Aviator’. The album was a huge hit, gaining widespread recognition. In just a few weeks, it firmly held the top spot on the mainland album sales chart, directly reversing the trend and propelling the previously unknown Hayden Independent Records to fame.

Shi Ye was the focal point of this band. Apart from other things, his controversial style of doing things was too much. He was talented, strikingly good-looking, and always the center of attention.

He had countless accolades in the industry because of his talent. But there were also many detractors because of his personality. Whenever music critics praised Shi Ye, they always added: Shi Ye, although talented, his temperament will always bring him trouble.

Over the years, Aviator had been sailing smoothly. The band had won the Most Popular Band award for three consecutive years, and they had won countless other awards, big and small. They had held the largest band tour in the mainland, and their albums had been wildly successful…

Just when everyone thought this band would continue to thrive, their lead singer, Shen Zui, suddenly committed suicide.

Shi Ye stopped in front of a door with his guitar on his back, sighed softly, then pushed the door open.

Niu Xiaojun, who was sitting by the door, frowned at Shi Ye’s attire, but with the boss present, he didn’t say anything. His attention was soon drawn to the guitar Shi Ye was carrying. He wondered why this guy was carrying a guitar around for no reason.

Shi Ye’s expression remained indifferent. He took the guitar off his back and placed it on the conference table in front of Hayden’s founder, Gao Ce, saying, “I’m here.”

Gao Ce didn’t speak at first. He crossed his arms, glanced at the guitar on the table, then back at Shi Ye furrowing his brows, silently asking him with his eyes: What’s going on? Here again?

But Shi Ye seemed to have no intention of locking eyes with Gao Ce. After sitting down, he began to zone out, leaning his head against the back of the chair. Seeing him in this disheveled state, Gao Ce felt a pang of sadness, but after a while, sadness turned into anger.

Unable to hold back, Gao Ce began to interrogate, “Mister, didn’t I tell you to stay off the internet recently? Why are you arguing with netizens?”

“I can’t stand it, so I argued,” Shi Ye replied without lifting his eyelids.

“I can’t believe you still have the nerve to defend Shen Zui after he betrayed you so thoroughly. Do you think you’re a saint? Can you just argue with netizens as you please?” Gao Ce sneered.

“After all, we knew each other once, and now that he’s gone, I couldn’t bear to see people speak ill of him,” Shi Ye said lightly. “Speaking so disrespectfully of the deceased, I’ll teach modern netizens a lesson on behalf of elementary school teachers.”

In fact, Shi Ye’s head was pounding and he still felt dizzy from yesterday’s drinking. He couldn’t seem to wake up.

“Who said you could take over? Is this the time for you to throw tantrums?” Gao Ce nearly threw a stack of files in frustration. “Can’t you give me a break?”

In fact, Shi Ye had helped Gao Ce build up this record company. They had known each other for too many years, their relationship not like that of a boss and an artist, but more like brothers in adversity, always speaking bluntly with each other.

“I’m here to give you peace of mind,” Shi Ye finally stood up and pushed the guitar in Gao Ce’s direction. “You gave me this guitar when the band was formed. I’m returning it to you now. I know without you having to say how serious the situation is after Shen’s incident. I’m very clear about it. I asked Xiao Xiang and Xiao Zheng a few days ago, and they respect my opinion. So I’m here today to tell you—”

Shi Ye said, “Let’s end the band here.”

Niu Xiaojun, sitting nearby, felt like his heart was about to stop. He knew things were serious because when Shi Ye was serious, his tone softened a bit, which was a sign that he was angry and in a bad mood.

Normally, when Shi Ye did things, he was rebellious, always arguing at the drop of a hat, not this gentle.

Niu Xiaojun felt anxious and couldn’t help but walk over and tug at Shi Ye’s clothes. “Shi Ye don’t talk nonsense—”

“You know I’m not talking nonsense,” Shi Ye said. He felt like the alcohol from last night hadn’t worn off yet, and he still had a headache. He just wanted to finish speaking quickly and go back to sleep. “I don’t like beating around the bush. My point is, I’m really tired now, let me take a break.”

Although Shi Ye made himself look normal, his head was actually heavy like lead. There were many confusing voices ringing in his ears, even when he was talking to Gao Ce.

He had slept poorly every night, and last night, he had drunk too much because he couldn’t sleep. He got up and left in the scorching heat without eating anything, feeling really dizzy and nauseous.

He had been in this state for almost half a month now. After Shen Zui left, he hadn’t been sober for a few days… It was as if he was conscious but also constantly in a drunken state, sometimes real, sometimes illusory.

He hadn’t eaten properly for a few meals, but he hadn’t forgotten to drink alcohol every day.

Gao Ce had intended to bring Shi Ye here to warn him to take it easy, but surprisingly Shi Ye came and said he was done?

“No,” Gao Ce stood up and pressed his hand down, motioning for Shi Ye to sit. “Listen to me first—”

“What do you want to say?” Shi Ye furrowed his brows. “There’s nothing to say. Everyone in the band is responsible for Shen Zui’s incident, and I’m most responsible. Gao Ce, let me tell you something straight. I’m really tired. Let me take a break.”

Although saying these words to Gao Ce sounded like venting, Shi Ye was actually considering the possibility of disbanding… Bringing the guitar here today and returning it to Gao Ce was also a way of telling him: I’m really tired, although the Shi Ye you see now seems fine, it’s just an act.

“We’ve been thinking of ideas for you for the past few weeks, and now that you’re here, you’re telling me you’re quitting?” Gao Ce was also inexplicably angry at him. “Every time something happens, you do this to me. Aren’t you tired? I told you to stay home and calm down. Is this the result of your calmness?”

Shi Ye fell silent for a moment before saying, “Gao Ce, I really feel—”

“I don’t want to hear what you feel. Listen to me first,” Gao Ce waved his hand impatiently. “I know Shen Zui’s incident has affected you greatly, and you’re also sad…”

“I’m not sad, on the contrary, I hate him,” Shi Ye immediately interrupted. “And I don’t understand him.”

“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about Shen Zui, let’s talk about something else, something happy,” Gao Ce tactfully changed the subject, “I should have told you last week, but I wanted to be sure before telling you. So, since they’re all confirmed over there, I asked you to come and meet them. From now on, don’t think about the past, forget about it, and start anew.”

Shi Ye felt something was wrong with this conversation and raised an eyebrow. “Start anew? Meet who?”

Gao Ce didn’t answer. Instead, he asked Niu Xiaojun beside him, “Is he still here?”

“He is. Zhong Zheng and Xiao Xiang have talked to him, and they seem to get along well. They’ve even arranged a song. It should be smooth sailing,” Niu Xiaojun stood up automatically to lead the way, inviting Shi Ye “Let’s go, Shi Ye let’s go listen to some heavenly music.”

Confused, Shi Ye was dragged into the rehearsal room by Niu Xiaojun and Gao Ce, but because he felt weak and wasn’t very willing, he kept his head down the whole time, ignoring everyone.

After they brought the person in, Gao Ce leaned in to explain to Shi Ye, “This time it’s like a pie falling from the sky, sending you a treasure. Forget about Shen Zui from now on. This guy is extraordinary, and in my opinion, he’s more suitable for being in Aviator.”

Niu Xiaojun chimed in, “Shi ge, although Shen Zui’s departure was unpleasant, let’s focus on the matter at hand. You know very well that Shen Zui’s later style of playing was too different from what we wanted. His personal performance and talent were too limited. How many conflicts did we have in the band because of Shen Zui? I can’t say for sure if finding a new person at this critical moment is the right decision, but I can confirm that you need this lead singer.”

Shi Ye heard them, but he didn’t even want to lift his eyelids to look. He was tired, nauseous in his stomach, and felt dizzy and disoriented.

He didn’t want to look, not at all. He didn’t want to think about anything right now. He just wanted to go back, bury his head under the covers, and sleep. If he couldn’t sleep, he’d put on his headphones, blast some hard rock music, and drink a few cans of beer. What new lead singer, what Aviator, what rock dreams, what music dreams, all can go to hell.

As Niu Xiaojun helped Shi Ye sit down on the chair, music suddenly started playing.

Shi Ye was very familiar with the melody; he recognized it as “The Scientist.”

Initially, he had been covering his face, but after hearing a few lines, he felt a slight movement in his eyelashes, surprised.

“Come up to meet you.”

“Tell you I’m sorry.”

The voice was indeed very pleasant. It had a broken quality, with a bit of gravelly texture, yet it was also vigorous, perfect for singing rock music. It was understated but also cool and melancholic, very unique.

It also gave Shi Ye a faint sense of familiarity.

Hesitantly, he raised his head—

In the clear moment when he saw that face, Shi Ye thought he was dreaming. After all, this person shouldn’t be here, nor should he have any connection to his life anymore.

Apart from the familiar drummer Xiao Xiang and bassist Zhong Zheng, there was another striking presence in his line of sight. The man wore a well-fitted white shirt, tall in stature, playing the guitar and singing with his eyes closed, looking very focused.

His features were undeniably striking, leaving a lasting impression. There was a hint of aloofness in his demeanor, making him seem unapproachable.

At that moment, Shi Ye thought, it’s him.

This kid… has grown up a bit, lost the youthful aura, and became more robust.

Gao Ce squatted down and whispered in Shi Ye’s ear, “Do you remember that ‘Galileo-S’ we talked about before? That keyboard geek online who has a lot of fans, a cover artist, the one who never shows his face? He’s covered a lot of songs from our band. When he found Niu Xiaojun, we didn’t pay much attention at first, but when he came to us in person, I was really shocked! I didn’t expect him to look this good in real life, a natural star face.”

Shi Ye was stunned for a moment, searching his foggy mind for information about this ‘Galileo-S.’

Yes, once that blogger adapted a song by their band Aviator called “In the Galaxy,” and the cover version became quite popular for a while. It was so popular that even someone like Shi Ye, who rarely went online, had to hear about it, forced by the band members to listen to the more sentimental and gentle version of “In the Galaxy.”

What did Shi Ye say back then?… It seemed he said: “The voice does sound good, it’s the type I like, more sensual than Shen Zui’s… don’t tell Shen Zui.”

Niu Xiaojun continued to sell the idea, “Shi ge, his real name is Sheng Xia! He’s very popular online, and many keyboard players in various circles like to share his videos. Plus, he’s very low-key, never showing his face. Look, isn’t his appearance particularly good?”

Shi Ye couldn’t hear Gao Ce and Niu Xiaojun’s chatter anymore. Because the man in his line of sight suddenly opened his eyes, casually looked around, and then, in the next second, those somewhat aloof eyes collided directly with his.

Their eyes met, and both were stunned for a moment.

At that moment, Shi Ye couldn’t tell if he was happy or sad, but he knew he was being dragged into a memory… into a memory of Sheng Xia, a memory colored by summer, where the story was very midsummer-like.

A ridiculous, absurd, hazy, and lamentable summer memory.

The singer Sheng Xia was initially startled and even missed singing the next section. But he recovered quickly, immediately returning to a calm state, and unreservedly met Shi Ye’s gaze.

On this side, the hungover Shi Ye wasn’t as composed. He was completely dumbfounded, feeling that Sheng Xia’s face, both familiar and unfamiliar, was fluctuating in size in his line of sight, and the voices he heard were all mixed up…

So many voices.

In addition to Sheng Xia’s singing in front of him, there were Shen Zui’s screams, the curses of fans, screams, arguments…

And some musical sounds… guitar, bass, keyboard, drums… Those sounds and images were slowly piecing together in Shi Ye’s head, then breaking apart—

Finally, there was the scene of Sheng Xia frantically pushing himself away.

It was Sheng Xia’s eighteenth birthday that day, and his expression in the scene was twisted and terrified as he said, “Shi Ye ge—! Don’t do this!”

Then Sheng Xia’s face also shattered.

Shi Ye’s face turned pale. He felt like the world was spinning in the chaotic sounds and images… The next second, he opened his mouth in front of everyone and vomited on the floor.

The music didn’t stop. As a singer, the man named Sheng Xia was dedicated. Although he saw Shi Ye’s reaction, he sang the last line with slightly red eyes:

I’m going back to the start.